Heather Brandon to Lead Alaska Sea Grant
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has chosen Heather Brandon as Alaska Sea Grant’s new director.
Brandon is an environmental policy leader with experience in fisheries issues on a broad geographic scale, ranging from Alaska to the Arctic and Russian Far East. The Juneau resident was selected after a competitive national search.
“I am very pleased that Heather will take the helm at Alaska Sea Grant,” said Bradley Moran, dean of the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. “Heather has a solid working knowledge of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s programs, including Sea Grant, and brings a wealth of experience that will be an asset to the Alaska Sea Grant program.”
Before joining Alaska Sea Grant, Brandon was a foreign affairs specialist for NOAA’s Office of International Affairs and Seafood Inspection. Brandon has also worked for World Wildlife Fund, Juneau Economic Development Council, Pacific Fishery Management Council, and Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and served on the U.S. Department of Commerce Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee. She has a master’s degree in marine affairs from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Oregon.
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June 2025
“I’m excited to lead Alaska Sea Grant into this new chapter. It’s a vital program to our state’s fishing and seafood industries and a leader in applied research that benefits coastal communities from Utqiagvik to Metlakatla,” said Brandon. “I especially look forward to getting involved with Alaska Sea Grant’s training and education programs, such as the Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit.”
Alaska Sea Grant is a partnership between NOAA and UAF. It is one of 33 Sea Grant programs across the country. Through research, outreach and education, Alaska Sea Grant works to enhance the sustainable use and conservation of Alaska’s marine and freshwater ecosystems and coastal economies. Alaska Sea Grant is housed within the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and has served Alaskans for nearly 50 years.
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